Why might lipitor's effect differ without water?

Why might lipitor's effect differ without water?

Lipitor is taken with water as standard guidance because the pill needs to move quickly past the esophagus and into the stomach. Without water, it can stick in the throat or upper digestive tract, delaying its absorption and reducing the amount that reaches the bloodstream.

What happens if you take Lipitor dry?

The tableting aids in Lipitor make it more likely to adhere to esophageal tissue. When it lodges there, the drug begins to dissolve locally instead of in the stomach, which can produce irritation and loss of intended dose. Clinical reports document this behavior for several statin tablets, including atorvastatin.

How does swelling or sticking affect drug release?

Lipitor's formulation uses croscarmellose sodium, a superdisintegrant that helps the table break apart once in the stomach. When the table stays in the upper digestive tract, the superdisintegrant causes partial disintegration and premature drug release. Premature release in the esophagus gives rise to pain, odynophagia, and potential loss of therapeutic effect.

How long does the effect differ?

Any delay or partial loss of dose means the expected reduction in LDL cholesterol occurs slower than when the table is taken correctly. This is a temporary deviation rather than a permanent change in the drug's effect. If several doses are missed or delayed through improper administration, the cumulative LDL-lowering effect can fall below target levels.

Why are companies challenging this patent?

The manufacturer holds U.S. Patent 5,273,749 on the hemi-calcium salt of atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor. Companies challenge this patent because the rights are near expiration or they want to bring cheaper generic versions into market. The challenges accelerate price drops once generics enter.

When does patent expire?

U.S. Patent 5,273,749 expired in November 2011. The manufacturer also holds other patents on the amorphous form of the salt, which are now expired as well. All core patents protecting Lipitor have expired, permitting generic atorvastatin to reach patients at far lower prices.

Who makes Lipitor?

Lipitor is made by Pfizer Inc.